Experience a winning landscape

This is an archived press release

Thursday 2 August 2012

Tourism bosses joined together to encourage viewers inspired by the Olympics to get out and experience the Peak District National Park - one of Britain’s winning landscapes.

VisitEngland chairman Lady Cobham and chief executive James Berresford got on their bikes with Jim Dixon, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority and David Thornton, head of marketing and deputy chief executive of official tourist board Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, to highlight the recreational opportunities the area has to offer.

The event was timed to coincide with National Parks’ Week, which this year has the theme Winning Landscapes aimed at encouraging a legacy from the Olympic Games. The organisers want to see more people being inspired to take part in a recreational activity in a national park, whatever their age or ability.

Jim Dixon, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “National parks are free open spaces on our doorsteps where you can try out a sport or recreational activity and make it part of your everyday life.

“The Peak District National Park offers the 38,000 residents and 16 million people who live within an hour of its boundaries easy access to an ideal place to experience these activities, with the added bonus of enjoying stunning views at the same time.”

The group went cycling at Trentabank in Macclesfield Forest to showcase the 58 miles of off-road cycling routes and abundance of quiet lanes that the Peak District National Park has to offer.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, said: “I’m delighted to be here in the beautiful Peak District to celebrate National Parks Week. With its dramatic moorland and breathtaking landscapes, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but also offers a range of activities to suit all tastes.
“Walking in Lathkill Dale is one of the most pleasurable tourism experiences to be had, but enjoying Bakewell Pudding in the charming market town of the same name is equally pleasurable - but for different reasons.”

And VisitEngland’s chairman, Lady Cobham, commented: “England’s national parks are a vital element of this country’s tourism offering, inspiring visitors from both home and abroad with their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. We know that 20 million domestic day trips were made to country parks across England last year, showing that Brits love to get outside and explore the stunning countryside on their doorstep.”

David Thornton, head of marketing and deputy chief executive of official tourist board Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “Multi Olympic medal winning Lord Coe, now at the helm of London 2012, trained in the Peak District National Park before going on to strike gold in Moscow and Los Angeles.

“The London Games will no doubt spur some young people to aspire to Olympic glory in the future – but our message, reinforced by our Active Peak campaign, is that you don’t have to be a talented athlete to enjoy England’s great outdoors.

“The Peak District offers wide-ranging activities and events for all ages and abilities – everything from walking and cycling to archery and sailing. National Parks’ Week provides the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf, get out and get active in our all-weather, all year round destination.”